Also during the showcase, three partner/group stunt qualifiers will showcase their
routines.

Two co-ed stunt couples and one all-girl stunt group will compete in their stunt routines
on April 12 after the team competitions. They qualified by submitting a 45-second
video of elite stunt combinations in December.

The two stunt couple qualifiers include first-year cheerleaders David Lyons from Chicago
and Skyla Thompson from Lometa; and Hunter Thompson, third-year, from Leander and
Sammi Vonderschmidt, first- year, from McKinney. The qualifying all-girl group comprises
Taylor Altom, first-year from Houston, and second-year women Jessica Castro of Keller,
Carli Hinkle of Austin, and Taran Hulsey of Weatherford.

According to Texas Tech cheer coach Bruce Bills, in the past seven years cheer has finished in the top five teams in the country,
coming in at third place in 2013 and 2012 and second place in 2011. This year, the
pom squad will compete in two divisions – open dance and hip hop. Coach Erin Harold led the pom squad to its highest finish, third place, in last year’s open dance division.

“The nationals’ routines are unique because they highlight some of the most elite
skills in cheer and dance,” Bills said. “The skills you will see the squads perform
are different from football and basketball game days because of the floor restrictions
and in-game rules.”

During the summer, both teams qualified for nationals by attending camp and receiving
Gold National’s Bids. Skill elements and choreography practices began in September
with final enhancements being added in early March during two-a-day practices.

The showcase is open to the public with free admission. Donations of support will
be accepted at the door. Please use the northwest street-level entrance to the arena;
park in the north lot and come downstairs to the main court.

More Photos

The Spirit Squads lead the fans in supporting the teams at football, basketball, and
volleyball games. They serve as ambassadors not only at athletic events, but also
at many different school functions. In addition, the Spirit Squads gladly participate
in their community by volunteering at local schools, charity events, and youth organizations.

Being a proud part of the Texas Tech Spirit Program is more than just a year-round
commitment. It means dedication from each member to maintain the school spirit of
the students, the alumni, and the fans.